Christmas flowers: a florist's stocking guide
Before Christmas (Worldwide), pine, holly wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.6× normal; stock up about 30 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.
- Market
- Worldwide
- Flowers affected
- Pine, Holly
- Typical price
- 1.2–1.6× normal wholesale
- Stock up
- 30 days ahead
Dates and order-by dates
| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026-12-25 | 2026-11-25 |
| 2027 | 2027-12-25 | 2027-11-25 |
| 2028 | 2028-12-25 | 2028-11-25 |
How people buy for it
Evergreens, holly and berries go into wreaths, garlands and table pieces in red, green, white and gold. Wreath-making starts in late November for Advent, so greens are needed well before the day itself.
The flowers that surge
What the surge does to material cost
If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.2–1.6× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:
| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.2× | At 1.6× |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | +8% | +24% |
| 60% | +12% | +36% |
| 80% | +16% | +48% |
Alternatives that are not priced up
Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:
| Instead of | Consider |
|---|---|
| Pine | Bamboo, Pussy willow, Red-twig dogwood, Plum blossom |
| Holly | Bamboo, Red-twig dogwood, Pussy willow, Plum blossom |
FAQ
When is Christmas in 2026, 2027, 2028?
2026: 2026-12-25; 2027: 2027-12-25; 2028: 2028-12-25 (Worldwide).
Which flowers get more expensive before Christmas, and by how much?
Pine, Holly wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.6× normal.
How far ahead should florists stock up for Christmas?
About 30 days ahead — around 2026-11-25 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.
What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Christmas?
Instead of pine: bamboo, pussy willow, red-twig dogwood, plum blossom; Instead of holly: bamboo, red-twig dogwood, pussy willow, plum blossom.